How Golden Knights defensemen fared in 4-1 victory in Colorado

Jack Dempsey/ AP Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault commemorates a goal against the Colorado Avalanche throughout the first duration of a preseason hockey game Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, in Denver.

. The Golden Knights looked impressive yet once again in their second preseason game, dealing with the Avalanche in a 4-1 win Tuesday night in Colorado.

Vegas again leapt out to an early lead, scoring three objectives in the first eight minutes of action. Brad Hunt rifled a slap shot over Colorado goalie Spencer Martin’s shoulder for the first objective, and Jonathan Marchessault and Oscar Lindberg both scored in their preseason launching.

Goaltenders Maxime Lagace and Oscar Dansk were strong in net, stopping 28 of the Avalanche’s 29 shots on objective.

Tomas Hyka scored his third goal in 2 preseason games in the third period to seal the win for Vegas.

But while it’s good to be unbeaten through two video games, results mean little in the preseason. It’s all about whittling the roster down to the final 23 areas, and the Golden Knights have a lot of work to do, specifically on the defensive end.

General Supervisor George McPhee currently has 11 defensemen and need to cut that number to eight before the routine season starts Oct. 6.

Here is a look at how each of the defensemen did Tuesday night, in order from finest to worst, as they try to make the final cut.

Jason Garrison

2 assists and 4 shots on goal in 23:16 of ice time

The 32-year-old veteran is a virtual lock to make the Golden Knights opening-night roster, so he isn’t really betting a task like lots of are. Still, it was good to see Garrison play well in his preseason launching.

Fort assisted on Marchessault and Lindberg’s goals and moved the puck well from the point all night. He was likewise among the main penalty killers with 6:07 invested in the ice short handed.

Colin Miller

3 shots on goal and 2 blocks in 17:54 of ice time

Despite not signing up any points, it was obvious Miller was the very best offending defenseman on the ice for Vegas. Like Garrison, Miller remains in no threat of being cut.

Miller commanded the puck on the power play for the Golden Knights and did a fantastic task of deciding when to pass when to shoot. He wasn’t afraid to let shots rip from the point however was unable to discover the back of the internet.

Brad Hunt

1 goal and 1 shot on objective in 18:08 of ice time

Hunt is one of the defenders truly betting a job whenever he steps on the ice this preseason, and it has actually shown in his play. Hunt racked up three assists in the Golden Knights’ opening preseason win over Vancouver, and scored the game’s first goal Tuesday night in Colorado.

Prior to the preseason, Hunt was among the defensemen expected to be cut however he is definitely deciding hard on McPhee.

Jon Merrill

1 help, 1 shot on goal and 6 blocks in 21:04 of ice time

Another defenseman playing for a task, Merrill compromised his body like you would not anticipate in a preseason video game. Merrill was constantly getting low as Colorado forwards ended up for shots. He blocked six shots, and changed a couple of others in front of the net.

Merrill is making his case for being on the opening night lineup, more on heart than ability.

Deryk Engelland

1 assist, 1 shot on objective and 1 block in 19:35 of ice time

The veteran defender of the group was precisely what you ‘d expect him to be– trustworthy. Engelland didn’t make any spectacular plays or stand apart in the video game, but he was safe with the puck and was hardly ever out of position.

That’s why Gerard Gallant trusts him when the team is down a male. Engelland led the team with 6:35 of shorthanded ice time.

Luca Sbisa

1 help, 2 shots on objective and 4 charge minutes in 20:15 of ice time

Without a doubt, Sbisa had the worst night of the 6 protectors that bet Vegas. The 27-year-old committed 2 slashing penalties and was captured out of position several times.

Sbisa did reveal physicality with three hits, the most on the team, but he typically appeared too concentrated on looking for the success, and it cost him in positioning.

Sbisa is in danger of getting cut from the opening day roster, but there’s still time for him to make his case in the five staying preseason games.

Next the Golden Knights visit San Jose to deal with the Sharks at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.